YOUR NEXT-OF-KIN WILL NOT INHERIT FROM YOU

YOUR NEXT-OF-KIN WILL NOT INHERIT FROM YOU

In Nigeria, many people believe that once you list someone as your next of kin: your spouse, child, sibling or friend, they will automatically inherit your money, property and assets when you are no more. That is not correct.

A next of kin is not a beneficiary and does not have legal rights to your property or money. They are simply the first point of contact: someone the hospital, employer, bank or institution will call in case of emergency, if you are unreachable, incapacitated or late.

The next of kin provides information, initial documentation or help trace your family. That is all. They cannot walk into your bank and withdraw your money. They cannot sell your land, building or other property.

No, they cannot inherit your money or property unless you have legally named them in a valid will or legal succession plan.

This confusion has caused serious family issues. Inheritance follows the law, not assumptions. If you want someone to inherit your property, put it in writing through a will, gift, trust or formal succession document.

To be clear, your next of kin plays no automatic financial role after your death. Only a court-appointed administrator or an executor of your valid will has that authority.

So when next you fill a form asking for your next of kin, remember you are naming your emergency contact, not your heir.

Be properly guided.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate /Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)

Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com

Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com